DOTR Undersecretary Heads Phildel at the ASEM TMM5, Transport SOM in Hungary 

Department of Transportation (DOTR) Usec. Garry De Guzman, Philippine Ambassador to Hungary Maria Fe T. Pangilinan and Second Secretary Ria E. Gorospe attended the Asian-Europe Meeting (ASEM) fifth Transport Ministers’ Meeting (TMM5). (Budapest PE photo)

HUNGARY 20 January 2020 –– Department of Transportation (DOTR) Undersecretary for Finance Atty. Garry V. De Guzman, Philippine Ambassador to Hungary Maria Fe T. Pangilinan, and Second Secretary Ria E. Gorospe attended the Asian-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Transport Senior Officials’ Meeting followed by ASEM fifth Transport Ministers’ Meeting (TMM5) on 09-11 December 2019.

The event was organized by Hungary’s Ministry for Innovation and Technology at the prestigious Pesti Vigadó located on the eastern bank of the Danube in Budapest, Hungary.

The TMM5 was presided over by the Minister for Innovation and Technology in Hungary, Dr. László Palkovics. In his remarks, he mentioned that for more than a quarter of a century, ASEM has been operating as a leading formal forum for dialogue between Asia and Europe to deepen the relations between ASEM partners. The Minister said that his office is working in the spirit of innovation and modernity to create a sustainable future for the generations to come, using modern tools and innovative solutions.

TMM5’s outcome document, the Budapest Declaration, focuses on the importance of digitalization and decarbonization of transport systems, as well as the sustainability of transport networks of European and Asian countries.

In the said declaration, ASEM partners jointly decided to continue working towards enhancing regional and inter-continental connectivity, strive for creating the infrastructure and legal conditions of connected and automated mobility, encourage the use of intelligent transport systems, support the development of attractive public transport systems, foster that beside the national language(s), the electronic ticketing systems have a worldwide spoken language option for wider range of customers; and increase efforts to address the impact of transport connectivity on climate and the environment.

Hungary’s goal is to become one of the top five European countries to live in by 2030. One strategy to achieve said goal is the establishment of Zalaegerszeg Automotive Test Track (ZalaZone). The ZalaZone features state-of-the-art equipment in the facility, using the latest sensor and imaging technologies to enable leading automotive manufacturers to test in different conditions. Main road M76, which provides Zalaegerszeg expressway connection, is being built as a smart road.

The organizers of ASEM TMM5 arranged for a special visit to ZalaZone, which showed how vehicles performed using various dynamic tests given the latest evolving technology.

The ASEM partners have agreed to hold the next TMM in 2021 in Asia. END

The Asian-Europe Meeting (ASEM) fifth Transport Ministers’ Meeting (TMM5). (Budapest PE photo) 

For more information, visit https://www.budapestpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinHungary/.